Charco de la Arena: from private enclave to a symbol of coastal recovery
The case of Charco de la Arena, located in Punta del Hidalgo (La Laguna, Tenerife), has become a paradigmatic example of the debate between private use and the public interest of the coastline. For more than six decades, this natural space was occupied by a private club with a restaurant and swimming pool, the result of an administrative concession granted in 1964.
However, after a long legal process, the Supreme Court has firmly ruled the end of this concession, endorsing the demolition of the facilities and the recovery of the public maritime-terrestrial domain.
This ruling not only puts an end to a situation considered “unsustainable” by public authorities, but also opens a new phase based on environmental restoration and universal access. The recovery of Charco de la Arena means returning this enclave to the public, removing barriers and prioritizing the natural value of the environment.
Beyond this specific case, the process reflects a clear trend: the need for coastal spaces—especially in regions such as the Canary Islands—to move toward sustainable, public, and environmentally respectful models.
The Adeje Modernization Plan: a strategic framework for development
In parallel with this paradigm shift, southern Tenerife has a key tool: the Adeje Modernization, Improvement and Competitiveness Enhancement Plan, particularly in areas such as Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje and La Caleta.
This plan, approved by the Government of the Canary Islands, aims to renew mature tourist destinations, improve infrastructure, diversify the offer, and generate new economic opportunities. It is not only about modernizing accommodation, but about promoting a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive model.
Its importance lies in providing legal certainty and urban planning structure—two essential elements for developing strategic coastal projects. In this context, the plan acts as a catalyst for initiatives that integrate tourism, innovation, and the blue economy.
Playa Paraíso: a location with strategic potential
Playa Paraíso, in Adeje, stands out as a privileged area for this new development model. Its combination of modern hotel infrastructure, leisure areas, and coastal connectivity makes it a key location for high value-added projects.
The vision for this enclave revolves around two major initiatives:
1. Playa Paraíso Technology Park
A proposal focused on innovation, digitalization, and economic development, aiming to position the area as a technological hub linked to smart tourism and the blue economy.
2. Sports marina with a marine research center
This project represents a qualitative leap in how the coastline is understood. It is not just a port infrastructure, but a multifunctional space that would integrate a jetty for recreational boats, improved bathing areas, programs to promote artisanal fishing, and a marine research center focused on R&D&I.
This approach combines economic development, sustainability, and scientific knowledge, aligning with new European trends in coastal management.
The role of the Modernization Plan in these initiatives
The Adeje Modernization Plan is essential to make these projects viable. Its approval enables land and coastal planning, the incorporation of new public-use facilities, coordination with authorities such as the Coastal Administration, and the attraction of public and private investment. In other words, it turns ideas into feasible projects.
Moreover, the lessons learned from the Charco de la Arena case are crucial: any coastal intervention must prioritize the public interest, sustainability, and public access. This principle is key to ensuring the future viability of projects such as the proposed marina.
Jerónimo Padrón: architectural vision for the marina
Within this initiative, the proposed architect for the project stands out: Jerónimo Padrón. His role would be key in drafting and designing the future sports marina, contributing a contemporary vision that combines landscape integration, environmental respect, port functionality, and architectural innovation.
The design of this infrastructure should not only respond to technical needs but also become a benchmark for sustainable architecture along the Canary coastline.
Conclusion: towards a new coastal model in the Canary Islands
Charco de la Arena marks a turning point in coastal management: a transition from private to public use, from occupation to recovery, and from an outdated model to a sustainable one.
Meanwhile, the Adeje Modernization Plan represents the tool that allows us to look toward the future, facilitating the development of innovative projects such as the Playa Paraíso Technology Park and the sports marina with a marine research center.
Both elements, although in different contexts, converge on a single idea: the Canary coastline must evolve toward a model where development, sustainability, and public use go hand in hand. Along this path, well-planned initiatives supported by institutions and designed with vision—such as the one that could be led by Jerónimo Padrón—have the potential to transform not only a territory, but an entire way of understanding the coastline.
Demolition and recovery of Charco de la Arena
–News explaining the demolition process and the recovery of the public maritime-terrestrial domain:
https://diariodeavisos.elespanol.com/2026/03/charco-de-la-arena-edificio-demolido/
Adeje Modernization Plan
–News about the official approval of the plan by the Government of the Canary Islands:
https://www.europapress.es/islas-canarias/noticia-aprobado-plan-modernizacion-adeje-tenerife-20160321153100.html/
Previous processing of the General Urban Development Plan (PGO)
–Information on earlier stages and urban planning procedures in Adeje:
https://acadur.es/noticias/231020_pgo_adeje_1/
–Explanation of the plan’s impact on tourism competitiveness and urban development:
https://www.revistaintegracion.es/adeje-el-plan-de-modernizacion-mejora-e-incremento-de-la-competitividad-de-la-caleta-playa-paraiso-y-callao-salvaje-ha-sido-aprobado/
Playa Paraíso Technology Park Project
–Main project blog:
http://parquetecnologicoplayaparaiso.blogspot.com
–Specific blog posts (March 2022):
https://parquetecnologicoplayaparaiso.blogspot.com/2022/03/?m=1/
–Alternative project website (Wix):
https://miguelproyecto6.wixsite.com/playaparaiso/proyectos/
–Visit to the south of Tenerife to distribute our 2022 calendar and the dossier of our initiatives:
https://parquetecnologicoplayaparaiso.blogspot.com/2022/03/
Project social media
–Facebook – Playa Paraíso Technology Park:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083053936151/
–Facebook (alternative link):
https://www.facebook.com/people/Parque-Tecnol%C3%B3gico-Playa-Para%C3%ADso/100083053936151/
–Instagram (@playaparaiso2010):
https://www.instagram.com/playaparaiso2010/
–Twitter (@parque_paraiso):
https://twitter.com/parque_paraiso/
Professional profile
–LinkedIn – Jerónimo Padrón López:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeronimo-padron-lopez-80aa31ab?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android/
Communication channel
–Telegram – Playa Paraíso Project:
https://t.me/parqueplayaparaiso/
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| AI-generated visualization of what the sports marina in Playa Paraíso could look like. |
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